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Re:What Really Happened to Apple’s Airpower by ComputerGuru on Tuesday September 18, 2018 @03:19PM (#18018285)
I don't much mind the branding, but the LED is a real problem and it's not at all apparent from some of the listings just how bad it can be. I first bought a Samsung [0] (because it was one of only two that were purported to be future-compatible with the fast wireless charge once Apple released it in a firmware update), and could not bear the whole-room-illuminating glare of the bright green/blue LED and do not recommend it.

I'm using this Spigen charger [1] now and happy with the tiny LED on there that is mostly covered up by the placement of the phone. This newer one by Anker [2] is on my list of chargers to try if I need a replacement since I have been happy with their products in the past, but the hard, shiny surface makes it look a bit cheaper than the matte finish on the Spigen, although it's more reasonably priced.

I also have this stand-up Samsung charger for my desk [3], which does not have the same glaring light issue as the first one I bought, but I specifically did not want a stand-up model for my nightstand.

The Samsung models are specifically designed for Android Qi-compatible phones that use a version of the protocol that is not fully compatible with Apple's. In particular, their LEDs are dual-color and intended to light up blue when charging then switch to green when charge has completed. They do not switch to green when charging an iPhone. The Spigen by contrast just has an indicator light that turns on when the iPhone is in contact with the wireless charger (i.e. can charge, regardless of whether or not it is fully charged).

But note that the Samsung comes with an AC adapter capable of supporting fast charge, but the Spigen and the Anker do not -- you'll need to make sure you plug them into an adapter capable of supplying the sufficient voltage and current (as I believe fast charge switches to 9V), otherwise charge speed will be limited (and wireless charging is already slow enough).

0: https://amzn.to/2POFUau

1: https://amzn.to/2NmnlNW

2: https://amzn.to/2OBQlxK

3: https://amzn.to/2xrXkC4

Re:What Really Happened to Apple’s Airpower by amatecha on Tuesday September 18, 2018 @04:35PM (#18018879)
You could at least be upfront that the above are Amazon referral links that you will make a commission from if people follow the links and purchase a product.
Re:What Really Happened to Apple’s Airpower by joezydeco on Tuesday September 18, 2018 @04:04PM (#18018645)
...could not bear the whole-room-illuminating glare of the bright green/blue LED and do not recommend it.

I had the same problem, although the charger was black so I used a small strip of electrical tape. Didn't cost me a thing.

Re:What Really Happened to Apple’s Airpower by Johnny555 on Tuesday September 18, 2018 @05:45PM (#18019446)
Another option for covering bright LED's is nail polish. With a light color you can still see the LED, but it's much dimmer, with a darker color, it can obscure it completely.
Re:What Really Happened to Apple’s Airpower by ComputerGuru on Tuesday September 18, 2018 @04:15PM (#18018729)
The first Samsung I linked to actually has a huge ring that lights up. No amount of electrical tape would help there.
Re:What Really Happened to Apple’s Airpower by joezydeco on Tuesday September 18, 2018 @04:23PM (#18018783)
They sell very long rolls of electrical tape. Hundreds of feet, it you want it. I guess it all comes down to aesthetics.